Accor to franchise ibis in China
SHANGHAI – Accor has launched a franchise development model to support the growth of the ibis brand in China.
Together with the existing ownership and leased model it will grow the ibis network into new locations throughout China.
Four initial franchise agreements have been signed, with up to 15 agreements anticipated to be closed during 2010.
The first two of these franchise hotels will open this, both in city centre locations of Shanghai.
Gilles Larrivé, senior vice president of ibis Asia, said the launch of the franchise-operating model was an important step in the brand’s growth strategy.
Within the scope of franchise agreement, the hotel owner holds the property while ibis provides through a 10- year agreement, a broad array of hotel management skills and services.
“The ibis hotel brand continues to form a significant part of Accor’s’ expansion in Asia Pacific and around the world,” says Michael Issenberg, Chairman and Chief Operating Office for Accor Asia Pacific.
In 1974, the first hotel was opened under the ibis name and today the brand opens around one hotel every week. The current global network consists of 861 hotels in 45 countries.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps